NYC City Council Committee Holds Hearing On Working Conditions For Reality TV Production

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) —Members of New York City Council’s Committee on Civil Service and Labor are holding a hearing on working conditions during reality television productions in New York.

The committee is also hearing testimony Wednesday on wage regulations and compliance with scheduling. Committee Chair Daneek Miller says non-union reality shows produced in the city are not treating their workers fairly.

NYC City Council Committee Holds Hearing On Working Conditions For Reality TV Production

“I’m told that they’re working long, 70, 80, hours a week,” he said. “Obviously, after 40 you’re entitled to time and a half, according to state law and that is not the case.”

He says many are working without health or pension benefits and without other basic protections while he notes the shows get city and state subsidies.

“If we’re spending tax dollars subsidizing folks, we want to make sure that they’re good actors and good players,” he said.